Man admits murdering Julie Reilly

A 42-year-old man has pled guilty at Glasgow High Court today (Monday, February 4) to the murder of 47-year-old Julie Reilly of Shieldhall Road in Govan - who was reported missing in February 2018.

Julie was killed in February last year in her Govan flat.

Wallace cut off his victim’s legs with a knife and put the remains in plastic bags and suitcases, before burying them near to Ms Reilly’s home.

Following Wallace’s conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bell, the senior investigating officer, said: “Julie Reilly was a vulnerable woman with complex health issues and Wallace deliberately sought to achieve her friendship and trust with a cover of befriending and caring for her.

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“It became clear during this complex investigation that his motives were far from this.

“We will never know precisely what happened to Julie in her final moments, but we do know, as has been shown today, she was murdered by Wallace. He dismembered her remains and without any thought for her or her family’s dignity, sought to conceal Julie in order to evade detection. This was a callous and cruel plan that failed.

“Today, I pay tribute to those that selflessly came forward and to the wider communities of Glasgow in whose areas these shocking events unfolded. Their support and patience with my officers exemplify real community spirit.

“I also need to pay tribute to the hundreds of police officers within Greater Glasgow, the Major Investigation Teams of our Specialist Crime Division, Specialist Search Officers within Police Scotland, Scottish Police Authority Forensic Science Support Services, law enforcement assistance from across the UK and many other partner agencies, who contributed to and enhanced the many aspects of this complex case bringing it to its conclusion in court today.

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“All of the efforts in this case were made in support of Julie’s tremendously brave and dignified family, who have been supported by Police Scotland officers and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service throughout this ordeal. Their determination and trust have been truly humbling and a source of inspiration and to us all.

“Lastly, notwithstanding today’s outcome in court, we have yet to recover all of Julie’s remains to provide her with dignity she deserves and to allow her family to grieve properly.

“I’m appealing directly to anyone who may have knowledge of where Julie is to engage directly with me. This will allow me to find her and bring peace to her family.”